My Blog

Reston Lakeside Living

Right off Sunrise Valley Drive and within walking distance of the Reston Silver Line station is a lovely street of contemporary homes. Upper Lake Drive is simply gorgeous.

Like many neighborhoods in Reston, Upper Lake is a horseshoe shaped drive (don’t ask me why). Much of the street backs up to lovely Lake Thoreau (hence the name “Upper Lake.” At the entrance closest to the metro, residents have easy access to an RA tennis court. At the other entrance, is Lake Thoreau pool. In between are mature oaks and maples and contemporary single-family homes nestled in the woods.

The neighbor was built in the late 1970s, and the homes are spacious. All are on generous plots, giving owners plenty of private space. I have a listing on Upper Lake with an open floor plan, exposed wood beam ceilings, wood floors and big windows. I’m not saying ALL the homes are like this, but this is typical of the neighborhood.

Upper Lake Drive is what Reston is all about: close proximity to schools, shopping and recreation while still feeling like you live in the country.

Comments

Lake Thoreau in South Reston, Virginia is one of the most serene spots in Reston. The charming homes are located with in walking distance of South Lakes Village Center, and are a short drive to the Dulles Toll Road and Reston Metro Station.

Built between 1975 and 1978, Lakewinds is actually divided into two clusters: Lakewinds I and Lakewinds II. In total, the two clusters consist of 93 brick and cedar townhomes — 46 in Lakewinds I and 47 in Lakewinds II. The 3-level 3 and 4 bedroom homes each have assigned parking spaces; the Lakewinds II townhomes have one carport spot.

About 70% of the homes are lakefront, and all have lake access. In nice weather, you will see the residents enjoying their small boats or barges.

The local schools are Terraset Elementary School, Langston Hughes Middle School, and South Lakes High School—all of which are within walking distance. Other nearby South Reston attractions include the Reston Regional Golf Course and Walker Nature Education Center. In fact, this neighborhood is great for anyone who values spending time outdoors!

Comments

I may live on Lake Anne, but I really do love Lake Audubon. It is hands down one of the most idyllic places in Reston. One of my favorite communities on Lake Audubon is Cedar Cove Cluster.

Cedar Cover Cluster is a neighborhood of 66 townhomes more or less across the street from South Lakes High School. They are cedar-sided, 3-story homes with three or four bedrooms and garages. While only about 20% of the townhomes are direct lakefront property, they all have lake access.

Built between 1980 and 1989, Cedar Cove Cluster is located on Cedar Cove Point off South Lakes Drive in South Reston.

Not only do residents have lake access, this super family-friendly neighborhood has a huge playground for the children. Walking through Cedar Cove Cluster on a beautiful day with a gentle breeze rustling the many trees, you feel a bit like you’re at a resort. Yet, you are just minutes from the Reston technology corridor, the Reston Metro station, and the Dulles Toll Road. South Lakes Village Center (home to a few of Reston’s favorite mom and pop restaurants) is just three quarters of a mile up the road.

Comments

Have you ever parked on Moorings Drive on your way to the Reston Farmer’s Market and wondered what kind of houses the street leads to? Let me tell you — it’s a wonderful mix of the different styles of Reston town homes. This neighbor is not only charming, it’s quiet and close to everything.

The first cluster on your left is Brookshire, one of the first clusters built in Reston in 1964 and 65. It’s one of Reston’s smallest clusters and has an impressive ratio of green space to homes — 5 acres to 26 homes. Lush green foliage, magnificent old oak trees, interconnecting paths and recreational areas surround the cluster. These two and three bedroom townhomes feature an average of 1,500 square feet of living space.

Then comes Chatham Colony Cluster. This is also a small cluster, with about 45 homes that each has a wooded backyard. These colonial style townhomes have brick exteriors, shuttered windows, and two designated parking spaces. With three bedrooms and full basements, each home offers plenty of space for growing families and empty nesters alike. And like most Reston homes built in the 1970’s, each has beautiful hardwood floors and large windows.

Next on the tour is Wyndmere Cluster, the newest addition to this area. Like all of the townhome clusters off moorings, residents have access to Lake Anne.

Finally, there is Moorings Cluster, built between 1971 and 1972. These spacious three- to five-bedroom townhomes have fantastic views of Lake Anne (70% are direct lakefront properties). Unlike many lakeside townhouse communities, each of the 50 homes in this neighborhood has a garage.

All of these clusters off Moorings Drive have easy access to main roads and public transportation. This is the kind of neighborhood where you can take full advantage of everything Reston has to offer — you can walk to Lake Anne, jog on the nearby Reston Association paths, or be at Reston Town Center in a matter of minutes.

It’s also close to ballparks, pools, tennis courts, the sprinkler park (off North Shore Drive) and more. Many residents have small boats and canoes that they take out on Lake Anne, enjoying a leisurely paddle to the plaza for concerts, festivals and dining. In the summer, residents can walk to the popular Farmer’s Market and Reston Market. Neighborhood residents attend Reston’s Lake Anne Elementary, Langston Hughes Middle and South Lakes High School.

Comments

Ah, summer! Imagine wandering out your back door and down to your private dock, where you launch your canoe for a lazy paddle around the lake. Sound perfect? It is. And that dream can become your reality.

Cabot’s Point Cluster in South Reston is a beautiful community of cedar patio homes sitting on Lake Audubon, Reston's largest lake.

Built in the early- to mid-1980s, these townhomes have a distinctive contemporary design with sharp right angles and sun-drenched cedar siding. Rather than the adjoining walls typical of most townhouse developments, two-car garages attach these units. The yards are beautifully landscaped, and common areas provide a wooded setting. The homes have one or two decks and are staggered along winding, narrow cul-de-sacs that give the impression of a small village. Many units have lake views; all have lake access.

Did I mention it’s also private? The neighborhood is so secluded that many people don't realize there are houses back there. And the resident’s like it that way. I’ll tell you how to find it though—you enter from South Lakes Drive, across the street from South Lakes High School.

Cabot’s Point may be close to every activity Reston has to offer (including the Reston Metro station), but for many residents, lazy evenings on the lake are the leisure activity of choice.

Homes don’t often come on the market here, that’s how much the residents love their neighborhood. So if you see one, jump on the opportunity immediately. And then go shopping for a new canoe.

Comments

Although I live on Lake Anne, I am more than willing to admit that the two lakes in South Reston are beautiful. Lake Audubon and Lake Thoreau dominate the landscape of South Lakes—on beautiful spring and summer days, you will see people canoeing or lounging on their lake barges. You’ll also see plenty of people enjoying the Reston Association pathways that circle the lakes.

If you want to live on a lake in South Reston, here are some neighborhoods to consider.

Lakewind

Lakewinds Cluster is situated on shore of Lake Thoreau. The charming homes are located with in walking distance of South Lakes Village Center, and are a short drive to the Dulles Toll Road and Reston Metro Station.

Lakewinds consists of 93 brick and cedar townhomes, of which about 70% on the lakefront. In fact, many residents have small boats or barges to take advantage of the lake. The 3-level 3 and 4 bedroom homes were built between 1975 and 1978. Lakewinds is divided into two clusters, Lakewinds I and Lakewinds II. Each home has assigned parking spaces; the Lakewinds II townhomes have one carport spot.

Lake Audubon Cluster

About half of the townhomes in Lake Audubon Terrace cluster are direct lakefront property. These 3-level townhomes have 3 and 4 bedroom models and feature brick and siding. Some of the units have one-car garages, and all have two assigned parking spaces (with plenty of visitor parking available). The Cluster was built between 1983 and 1988, and is located on Thrush Ridge Road and Glade Court.

Residents have lake access, complete with a private dock. Not only is this neighborhood on Lake Audubon, one of Reston's premier hiking trails (the Turquoise Trail) passes by and the award-winning Walker Nature Education Center is just down the street.

Cedar Cove Cluster

About 20% of the 66 townhomes Cedar Cover Cluster are direct lakefront property, and all have lake access. These lovely cedar-sided, 3-story homes have 3 or 4 bedrooms and garages. The Cluster was built between 1980 and 1989 and is located on Cedar Cove Point off South Lakes Drive in South Reston. This family-friendly neighborhood boasts a large playground for the children and is close to schools.

Walking through Cedar Cove Cluster on a beautiful day with a gentle breeze rustling the many trees, you feel a bit like you're at a resort. This neighborhood is the ideal in lakeside living. If you see one of these homes come on the market, jump on it!

For all three clusters, the local schools are Terraset Elementary School, Langston Hughes Middle School, and South Lakes High School. Other nearby South Reston attractions include the Reston Regional Golf Course and Walker Nature Education Center — these neighborhood is great for anyone who values spending time outdoors! From South Lakes, it is about a three-minute drive to the Reston Metro and Toll Road.

Comments

We love our lakes in Reston, and we love the being near all of the amenities Reston has to offer. The Lake Newport area of North Reston delivers both — whether you want a contemporary or Colonial single family home, or a spacious patio home, or even condos.

Whatever style of home you want, your neighborhood focal point is Lake Newport, a 12-acre man-made lake built in 1981. On any beautiful day, you'll find residents canoeing and fishing in the lake, or using the approximately 1-mile walking path that loops the lake and takes you on a tour of the neighborhood.

The Lake Newport neighborhood is fairly large and divided into several smaller sub-neighborhoods. Town and patio homes can be found at Hemingway, while large, luxurious single-family homes are located in the Newport, Greenwich Point, BelCastle, Newport Shores, and Newport Cove neighborhoods. All of the homes were built in the 80s and 90s. Here is a rundown of the sub-neighborhoods:

Lake Newport Road: This neighborhood is located at the eastern end of Lake Newport Road off North Village Road. Many of the 15 lovely custom-built 3- to 5-bedroom single-family homes are direct lakefront.

Newport Shores: Located on Waterfront Road off Center Harbor Drive, this neighborhood has 30 multi-level 3- to 5-bedroom patio homes, of which 25% are direct lakefront.

Newport: On Regatta Lane off the Baron Cameron end of North Village Road, this neighborhood has 30 multi-level 3- to 5-bedroom patio homes. About 20% are direct lakefront.

Newport Cove: This lovely neighborhood on Newport Cove Lane off the Baron Cameron end of North Village Road has 8 multi-level 3- to 5-bedroom single-family homes, of which 60% are direct lakefront.

Hemmingway: At Hemingway Court off Center Harbor Drive, this neighborhood offers a combination of 25 multi-level 3- to 5-bedroom patio homes and 50 townhomes. About 15% of the townhomes are direct lakefront.

Greenwich Point: At Greenwich Point Road off Center Harbor Drive, this neighborhood has about 25 lovely multi-level 3- to 5-bedroom patio homes, of which 25% are direct lakefront.

Regardless of which sub-neighborhood residents live in, you will find them all enjoying the RA tennis courts and Lake Newport pool (Reston's only Olympic-sized, 50m swimming pool). On gorgeous days, the paths will be filled with people walking over to North Point Village Shopping Center to enjoy a coffee, ice cream, or a great meal or to do their weekly grocery shopping.

Lake Newport is a fantastic area for growing families or those who are ready to downsize—it has something for everyone.

Comments

South Reston is simply gorgeous. Two lakes, a nature preserve, and miles of walking paths make the area an outdoor lover’s paradise. Living on one of the lakes is the epitome of the Reston lifestyle. Located near the intersection of Twin Branches and Glade in South Reston, Lake Audubon Terrace is a great neighborhood to look at since approximately half of the townhomes are direct lakefront property. The Cluster was built between 1983 and 1988, and is located on Thrush Ridge Road and Glade Court.

All of these townhomes have 3 or 4 bedrooms. They are 3-level homes and feature brick and siding, and some of the units have one-car garages. No garage with your unit? No worries. They all have assigned parking spaces with plenty of visitor parking available.

But it’s really all about the lake. Residents have lake access, complete with a private dock. You can launch your canoe or kayak, or just sit on the dock and enjoy the view.

Have a dog? The neighborhood mutts love walking on the Turquoise Trail, which passes by the neighborhood. And they like the award-winning Walker Nature Education Center, which is just down the street. Here you’re just minutes away from nature and all that the Reston Association trails have to offer.

Students attend Reston's Sunset Hills Elementary, Langston Hughes Middle and South Lakes High School. And South Lakes Village Center with its grocery store and restaurants is an easy walk.

Comments

Heron House, the original Reston condos build in 1966, are still among the most beautiful condominiums in Reston. Sure, I may be biased because I live in Heron House, but I've heard other people say this too.

Comprised of 46 condominiums all with concrete balconies, Heron House is Reston's original high-rise. It is situated on the edge of Lake Anne at the Southern end of Washington Plaza (which residents simply call Lake Anne). The condos have one to three bedrooms with commanding views of the lake and Reston. Sitting on the balcony sipping a glass of wine and looking at the fountain in the lake is one of my favorite things to do.

The contemporary condos are well designed to maximize every inch of space -- even the smaller one-bedroom units feel spacious. Perhaps it is the view, or perhaps it is the well thought out floor plans. Whatever the magic combination, it works. And Heron House has stood the test of time. The design is as relevant today as it was 50 years ago. And most of the units have been upgraded with new kitchens and baths.

You never really have to leave the neighborhood -- Lake Anne boasts several great restaurants, the farmer's market, and festivals year round. It's a wonderful place to live! It's also only a one-mile walk along gorgeous trails to Reston Town Center (or a quick drive), and it's close to the Reston Station and Dulles Toll Road. What's not to love?

Comments

Whenever you see an article about Reston, the planned community or Reston appears in a history book, you will likely also see a picture of Waterview Cluster. It is perhaps the most iconic Reston neighborhood.

Built in 1965, many of the 75 two and three story townhouses on Lake Anne have beautiful water views with the remaining situated on lushly landscaped wooded lots. Award-winning architect Chloethiel Woodard Smith designed Waterview Cluster to feel like a French fishing village, and the exterior bricks painted in soft pastels and the charming balconies really do make it feel European.

The townhouses in this beautiful community have a charming mid-century modern meets cottage vibe. They are light and airy, with very inviting interior spaces. They range in size from 1,500 to 2,800 square feet. Residents affectionately call the homes "tall skinnies" or "short fats." The mix of size and styles make for a unique and charming neighborhood. Waterview Cluster residents are unwavering in their affection for their neighborhood--they share a collective recognition that they live some place unique.

Like most of Reston, Waterview Cluster is very walk-able, with paved walkways leading to Lake Anne Village Center and Reston Town Center.

Comments

Rahul on Monday, Apr 13, 2020

Some tips i have generally told polpee today is that while searching for a good on the net electronics shop, there are a few issues that you have to factor in. First and foremost, you would like to make sure to look for a reputable along with reliable store that has received great opinions and classification from other shoppers and business world experts. This will make sure that you are dealing with a well-known store that delivers good support and support to their patrons. Thanks for sharing your notions on this web site./wp-login.php?action=registerThanks for your posting. What I want to say is that when looking for a good on-line electronics shop, look for a web-site with full information on important factors such as the security statement, safety details, any payment procedures, and various terms and also policies. Often take time to investigate the help and also FAQ segments to get a much better idea of how the shop performs, what they can perform for you, and in what way you can make best use of the features. /wp-login.php?action=registerSomething else is that while searching for a good on the internet electronics shop, look for online shops that are continually updated, always keeping up-to-date with the most up-to-date products, the very best deals, and helpful information on product or service. This will ensure that you are dealing with a shop that really stays ahead of the competition and provide you what you need to make knowledgeable, well-informed electronics acquisitions. Thanks for the essential tips I have learned through your blog.